In this candid commentary, host Junius Williams breaks down Newark’s historic first “Vote 16” school board election, where just 71 of 1,842 registered teens cast ballots. Williams unpacks the lessons behind that less-than-4-percent turnout: from late starts and institutional overreliance to the missing ground game and the gap between social media energy and actual turnout. Beneath the frustration is hope, powered by youth leaders, community momentum, and the belief that with better organizing and more time, Newark’s young voters could have controlled the outcome. This is a primer on civic power, political culture, and what it takes to build lasting change. It’s not just about what happened — it’s about what’s possible.

In this episode of Everything’s Political, host Junius Williams talks with veteran activist and Newark NAACP President Deborah Smith Gregory about what it really means to share power with young people. As Newark sees 16 and 17-year-olds voting in local school board elections for the first time, Deborah reflects on how a new generation is reshaping civic space, not just by showing up, but by taking the mic. From tech-savvy student moderators to generational tension in the room, Deborah offers sharp insight on what inclusion should look like. “We don’t need to silo our kids. If anything, we need to collectively embrace them.” It’s a conversation about trust, transformation, and the radical act of letting youth lead.

In this episode of Everything's Political, host Junius Williams sits down with Nathan Deguid, founder and president of the Young Voters Association, to discuss Newark's groundbreaking "Vote 16" initiative. Nathan shares insights into empowering younger generations through civic engagement, highlighting the necessity of grassroots organizing and stating, "Pure and prolific unity will come against anything in this world."

From tackling low voter turnout among youth to addressing key issues such as teacher shortages and school funding, Nathan highlights practical strategies to mobilize young voters. Nathan challenges listeners to reconsider the potential impact of youth participation, emphasizing that true change requires both action and unity across generations. Tune in to hear how Nathan and his organization are paving the way for meaningful political change among 16 to 24-year-olds.

In this inspiring conversation with host Junius Williams, Governor Murphy underscores the transformative power of youth in shaping our democracy, declaring, "When young people lead, our democracy is reborn." He highlights how emerging leaders in Newark are propelling the Vote16 movement, and details his active role—from championing the initiative in his State of the State address to advocating for legislation that expands voting rights—to ensure that youth voices are not only heard but empowered. With these progressive actions at the forefront, how will today's support for youth leadership redefine our democratic future?

In this installment of our Vote 16 series, host Junius Williams talks with Jennifer Made, Director of Youth Programs at the Abbott Leadership Institute, about how Newark’s 16- and 17-year-olds are preparing to vote in school board elections for the first time. Jennifer shares how Youth Media Symposium (YMS) is mobilizing students with a voter education toolkit, advocacy training, and other resources to ensure they’re informed and ready.

But with just weeks until Election Day, will young voters be organized or just registered? And what does this mean for the future of civic engagement? As Jennifer puts it, “When young people realize they have power, they start using it.” Tune in to hear how this movement is reshaping youth activism and democracy.

Links:

• Vote 16 USA

Young people are directly affected by school board policies more than ever now and feel passionately about them – but they have no power to elect people to represent their interests. They are excluded from participating in the democratic process for no valid reason. With the introduction of Vote, 16, 16, and 17-year-olds in Newark, NJ, can now register to vote for the April 2025 Newark school board elections.

Listen to the full episode on @everythingspoliticalpodcast to learn more about #Vote16 and its impact on the school board election, as well as empower our younger generations to revive their passion for democracy and give them a seat at the table.

Tune in!

What if we told you that Newark's teenagers are poised to change history? This season, we’ll explore the impact of 16 and 17-year-olds voting in the upcoming Newark school board elections—an unprecedented move that could reshape the political landscape not just for Newark, but for cities nationwide.

We’ll dive into the journey of youth groups like the Youth Media Symposium, who are passionately advocating for the Vote 16 campaign. You'll hear inspiring stories from young activists as they prepare to make their voices heard and learn about civic engagement. This season is set to be a thrilling ride as we follow these students navigating their newfound power, facing challenges from political leaders, and potentially even their own families.

Join us as we uncover the transformative role that civic education can play in empowering our youth. We’ll discuss the implications of these elections, hear from students and educators, and explore what this means for future generations.

Stay tuned, and let’s get ready to witness history in the making!

Is the environment at a tipping point? What are the real-world implications for communities affected by pollution?

This critical episode of Everything's Political explores the ongoing struggle for environmental justice. Featuring the powerful voices of Chloe Desir from the Ironbound Community Corporation and Fajr Kegler from the South Ward Environmental Alliance, this episode exposes the deep intersection of environmental issues and racial injustices. Discover how these environmental advocates are not only discussing problems, but actively spearheading the charge for transformative change and equity.

How can AI enhance educational outcomes without compromising the need for deep, critical thinking? In a world leaning heavily on technological convenience, how do we preserve genuine creativity and understanding?

In Season 4, Episode 5 of Everything's Political, we explore the complex landscape of artificial intelligence and technology. Join us for a dynamic discussion with students from Technology High School, revealing how AI tools like chatbots and algorithms influence their educational experiences and ethical boundaries.

Is diversity in jeopardy? What does the future hold for equity in education?

This episode of Everything's Political dives deep into the complexities of affirmative action, its impact on admissions, and the real-life stories of students facing the consequences of the Supreme Court ruling. Listen in as two insightful high school students applying for college discuss the fallout of the decision and how they’re fighting for their future.